Born on Feb. 2, 1937, Martina Arroyo would go on to become one of the greatest opera stars of the second half of the 20th century. The soprano was renowned for her interpretations of Verdi’s most demanding roles, but she was also a champion of a wider repertory. Once done singing, she would become a teacher and would create the {…}
The New York City Opera has announced “Un Zoomo in Maschera” The special year-end fundraiser will be released on social media and will include stars Anna Caterina Antonacci, Martina Arroyo, Jon Burton, Michael Chioldi, Lisa Chavez, Won Whi Choi, Mark Delavan, Alexander Birch Elliott, Elizabeth Futral, Latonia Moore, Meghan Picerno, Patricia Racette, Samuel Ramey, Mark Rucker, Kristin Sampson, Kevin Short, {…}
With opera companies returning in full force digitally, this week’s selections will highlight a mix of repertory staples with some unique and experimental new works. Before we kick off our list, don’t forget to check out important discussions taking place regarding issues of race and equality in opera with such programs as Karen Slack’s “KikiKonversations,” Kenneth Overton’s “Black Opera Live,” and Mark {…}
Black Opera Productions has announced a virtual gala aimed at celebrating the career of Jessye Norman. Entitled “Jessye Norman at 75: A Celebration,” will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2020 at 6 p.m. ET. The program will feature virtual dedication from around the country with performances filmed at the Winter Garden at Brookfield Place. The program will be hosted {…}
Back in 2018, baritone Jonathan Estabrooks received a call from Lynne Block, the daughter of pre-eminent bass-baritone Simon Estes. She wanted to see if Estabrooks would work with her on a short documentary about her father’s life. Estabrooks, an internationally renowned performer, was also actively involved in the recording industry, creating music-related documentaries, hybrid music videos, and directing a TV {…}
The Metropolitan Opera Guild has announced that the honorees of its “Diamond Jubilee” celebration will be Martina Arroyo and Teresa Stratas. The Guild’s 85th Annual Luncheon, which is set to take place on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2019 at Cipriani, will showcase Stephanie Blythe and musical tributes by Ailyn Pérez and Matthew Polenzani. Richard J. Miller, Jr., President of the Metropolitan {…}
It’s Black History Month and a time to celebrate the achievements of the black community and how they have affected change around the world in all areas. The opera world is no exception with many great black artists dominating around the globe in the biggest theaters there are. In celebration, some of OperaWire’s staff members have picked their favorite black {…}
Martina Arroyo is one of the transcendent figures in opera history. Born on Feb. 2, 1936 in New York City, she would attend Hunter College where she obtained a B.A. in Romance Languages by the age of 19. She studied voice as a hobby at the time, though by the end of her studies it was clear that she needed {…}
Martina Arroyo is one of the great sopranos of the 20th century. Even after her singing career, she has managed to carve out an exemplary career that continues to serve the opera world in major ways. Born on Feb. 2, 1936, Arroyo was born in New York where she would grow up exposed to the vast culture of New York. {…}
The Metropolitan Opera Guild will hold a luncheon to honor superstar soprano Renée Fleming on Dec. 7, 2017. The event will feature a massive list of superstars in attendance, including Martina Arroyo, Jamie Barton, Harry Bicket, Harolyn Blackwell, Stephanie Blythe, Wolfgang Brendel, Joseph Calleja, Kristin Chenoweth, Glenn Close, Philip Cokorinos, James Conlon, Anthony Roth Costanzo, Dwayne Croft, Loretta Di Franco, Rosalind Elias, {…}
For the past two weeks we have honored the black singers making strides in today’s diverse opera world. But unfortunately, as has been the case in many social situations, the opera world was not always that diverse and the black community was not always a lock for representation on the biggest stages. But throughout the years major operatic pioneers manage {…}